The Pursuit of Aikido: Why Did I Choose the Path of "Kumite"? An Interview with Master Tenkei Fujisaki of Hatenkai [Part 3]
The Pursuit of Aikido: Why Did I Choose the Path of "Kumite"? An Interview with Master Tenkei Fujisaki of Hatenkai [Part 3]
Aikido—what is the true nature behind its fluid movements? While many may picture it as an elegant and spiritual martial art, its reality is diverse. Tenkei Fujisaki, the head instructor of Aikido Hatenkai, is deeply versed in both traditional Aikido and a form that pursues practical application. In this third installment, we delve into the experiences that led him to question the traditional path he had followed for many years and step onto the path of practical application. We explore the effectiveness and depth of Aikido he discovered in the process. This is the testimony of a man who knows both paths—tradition and application—and can therefore speak to a unique facet of Aikido.
"Why Didn't the Technique Work?" — An Encounter on the Street That Challenged a Belief
Master Fujisaki: The techniques of traditional Aikido, which I had practiced diligently for ten years, failed to function effectively when I truly needed them. When I was unexpectedly confronted by someone on the street and they grabbed me by the collar, the movement my body instinctively produced was from Judo—a martial art I had only studied for three years and had quit many years prior.
This incident became a major catalyst for Master Fujisaki to re-examine his entire perspective on martial arts.
Master Fujisaki: Why did my body resort to the less-practiced movements of Judo, rather than the Aikido I had trained in for so long? After contemplating this question, I arrived at a conclusion: the difference lay in the presence or absence of "practical forms of training" such as kumite (sparring) or matches. Training in the traditional style centers on repeatedly practicing set forms, or kata, to heighten one's proficiency. Of course, this has its own value. However, I realized that I lacked sufficient training for real-world scenarios, which require responding to an opponent's unpredictable attacks. This realization became the major turning point that guided me toward the world of practical Aikido.
The Beauty and Value of Traditional Aikido: A Cultural and Practical Perspective
Master Fujisaki acknowledges the cultural value inherent in traditional Aikido.
Master Fujisaki: The demonstrations, or enbu, of traditional Aikido can be exceptionally brilliant. The flowing movements are highly refined, and I consider it a part of Japan's traditional culture. I myself enjoy watching demonstrations and often view major events via video. I feel that the spirituality and aesthetics of Aikido, cultivated over many years, are expressed within those refined movements.
However, while recognizing its cultural worth, he points out that a different perspective is necessary when viewing it from the practical standpoint of self-defense.
Master Fujisaki: The cultural value of demonstrations is significant. However, when you consider a realistic situation of "protecting yourself" or "dealing with an opponent's attack," I believe practical training like kumite becomes indispensable. This is because demonstrations and kumite are fundamentally different in nature. Whereas a demonstration aims to "beautifully reproduce a predetermined form," kumite demands the ability to "instantaneously find and execute the optimal solution to an opponent's unpredictable movements." These two are intrinsically different.
The Reality: "Usable" Basic Techniques Are Often Difficult to Apply
Master Fujisaki's interest in practical application was also fueled by the experience that techniques considered basic and taught as "usable in a real fight" in traditional Aikido were not always effective in the living struggle of kumite.
Master Fujisaki: Ikkyo-omote and shihonage are considered fundamentals in the traditional style. They are certainly logical and beautiful as forms. However, once I tried them in kumite, I realized there were many situations where they were difficult to apply effectively. For example, ikkyo-omote is effective against an overhead strike, but if the opponent firmly lowers their center of gravity and resists with a solid stance, completing the technique can be difficult. With shihonage, there is a moment in the process where you turn your back to the opponent, creating a risk of being struck, counter-attacked, or allowing them to regain their posture. These techniques, which are executed flawlessly in demonstrations, are not so easily applied against a resisting, counter-attacking opponent. I came to recognize that reality through experience.
The Efficacy of Aikido: Image vs. Reality
There are various public opinions regarding the effectiveness of Aikido.
Master Fujisaki: Regarding Aikido's efficacy, there are many opinions, both positive and negative, but I believe both tend to be one-sided. The idea, sometimes promoted by proponents, that "one touch sends an opponent flying as if by magic," is an exaggeration you see in demonstrations, made possible by showmanship and the cooperation of the person receiving the technique (uke). It is not realistic to expect that to happen in an actual sparring or self-defense situation. However, the claim from detractors that "Aikido is completely useless" is also contrary to fact.
Master Fujisaki: The demonstrations performed by top-tier masters certainly possess a power that captivates onlookers. The effect created by their refined movements and grasp of principles can give the impression that a supernatural force is at work. It may not be easy to distance oneself from that image and ascertain the true state of Aikido. But what is most important is to understand Aikido's real-world effectiveness not through the stage performance of a demonstration, but through practical formats like kumite and matches. In kumite, your opponent is desperately resisting and attacking you. Within that context, the question is how you can utilize Aikido's body movement (tai sabaki), joint locks, and throws to deflect the opponent's power, break their balance, and control them. Effective techniques do exist for this. However, they are not supernatural; they are realistic skills that can only be acquired through years of dedicated training and practical practice.
An Ideal Embodiment: A Nod to Steven Seagal
Master Fujisaki has a clear example of one of his ideal Aikido practitioners.
Master Fujisaki: One ideal that I hold is the Aikido demonstrated by Mr. Steven Seagal. The heavy yet sharp movements unleashed from his large physique, and his refined, practical techniques seen in his movies—that presence and power represent one of the ideal forms of Aikido that I strive for.
The Depth of Budo: The Importance of "Lived Experience"
Master Fujisaki states there is a great difference between observing a martial art from the outside and understanding it from the inside through actual training.
Master Fujisaki: Without the "lived experience" of a martial art, one might see Judo as just grappling, full-contact Karate as just brawling, and an Aikido match as simply grabbing at wrists. But these are superficial views. Each of these martial arts contains highly advanced and intricate techniques of offense and defense, cultivated through years of training. In Judo, there is the technique of shifting one's center of gravity by millimeters and using an opponent's power. In full-contact Karate, there is the precision of striking at a momentary opening and the conditioned body that makes it possible. And in Aikido kumite, originating from contact at the wrist, there are skills like sensing the opponent's intention, controlling the flow of power, and coordinating body movement with joint locks. The depth of these arts is difficult to truly comprehend unless one throws oneself into training, sweats, and at times feels pain. Judging by appearances alone can lead one to misjudge the true essence of a martial art.
Encountering Practical Aikido: The Moment My Perception Changed
Harboring doubts about the traditional path, Master Fujisaki knocked on the door of a practical Aikido dojo. What he witnessed there was a training scene that overturned his perceptions.
Master Fujisaki: The shock of my first experience with practical Aikido kumite was immense. Until then, I had believed that "Aikido techniques are too dangerous to be used in sparring; if you used them, your opponent would die or be seriously injured." But when I actually tried, I found that before being dangerous, the basic techniques I had been taught simply didn't work on my opponent. Ikkyo-omote and shihonage, which I had believed to be effective, were difficult to apply. Instead, techniques that controlled the joints more directly, like elbow locks (hijishime) and arm entanglements (udegarami), were more effective. This was an unexpected discovery. I had thought that kumite would be an incredibly difficult challenge for me. But when I actually stepped into it, I found a world of deep offense and defense, conducted with consideration for safety. (Of course, there were intense moments.) Despite my experience in Judo, I gained a new appreciation for the high level of specialization in Aikido kumite. It was not a simple contest of strength or a game of wrist-grabbing. There existed a sophisticated technical system unique to Aikido, involving distinct methods of reading the opponent, managing distance, redirecting force, and linking techniques. The meaning behind the exchanges, which I couldn't understand at first even when watching videos, I began to grasp—slowly but surely—as I went through my own trial and error in kumite. I realized that seemingly plain movements contained condensed, practical meaning.
The Path to Improvement: The Change That "Kumite" Brings
Master Fujisaki then speaks on the importance of practical training, especially kumite.
Master Fujisaki: From my experience, if you seriously engage in kumite, the speed at which you improve in Aikido changes dramatically. The time it takes for a technique to become "usable" might be shortened to a fraction of the ten or twenty years it might otherwise take. Of course, there is a huge gap between a technique being "usable" and "mastering" it, and to truly master the path of Aikido still requires a very long time. However, I believe that by going through the process of facing a living opponent in kumite—testing techniques, failing, and making corrections—one's understanding of the techniques deepens incomparably, and the ability to apply them to different situations improves dramatically. Practical Aikido possesses high effectiveness as a self-defense art through its refined techniques and body movement, while the reflexes and judgment cultivated in kumite also give it potential as a combat sport.
To Those Aspiring to Begin Aikido
Finally, Master Fujisaki offers a message to those who are thinking of stepping through the doors of an Aikido dojo.
Master Fujisaki: Aikido is an excellent martial art that anyone can begin at their own pace, regardless of age, gender, or physical strength. At Aikido Hatenkai, we welcome everyone, regardless of prior experience. The depth of Aikido, and the practical learning and growth gained through kumite, will bring a new perspective and richness to your life. If you have even the slightest interest, please take that first step and come observe a practice at Hatenkai. We sincerely engage in practical kumite while also respecting the spirit of traditional Aikido. For those who wish to touch upon the new possibilities of Aikido, for those who want to learn truly useful self-defense, and for those who seek to explore the martial way, we are always waiting.
[End of Part 3]
Editor's Postscript: Part Three chronicled Master Fujisaki's personal journey of exploration from tradition to practical application, beginning with his own experiences. More than a mere technical discussion, the narrative of one martial artist's questions and realizations provides readers with an opportunity to think deeply about the efficacy of Aikido and the significance of different training methods. His words, spoken from a place of knowing real application, hint at the diverse aspects and potential of Aikido.
